Sunday, 27 January 2013

The Sunday Times has published the first in a series of App Lists today, sharing ideas for apps of all kinds. I have just installed two that give a great insight into fashion and knitwear.

The Sunday Times App List Supplement

Vogue Daily News (iPhone, Android, Blackberry: Free) has a round up of what's going on in the Vogue World. Todays news section has an article on Christian Wijnant and his nomination for the International Woolmark Prize. Wijnant is working with one white merino yarn to explore shape, stitches and dyeing processes. The International Woolmark Prize of $100,000 AUD will be announced after the regional winners show their collections to the judging panel at London Fashion Week.

Tokyo Fashion (iPhone, Android, Windows Phone: Free) has an ever changing set of street style images from Tokyo. A search for 'knitwear' brings up some interesting designers who showed at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Tokyo last year. Yasutoshi Ezumi's biography highlights his links to Central St Martins and Alexander McQueen. The photos of his Autumn/ Winter 2012-13 knitwear collection are full of fabulously draped cables.

Sunday, 13 January 2013

The Valentino exhibition at Somerset House, London shows Couture design at it's best: attention to detail, high quality materials and strong vision. Entry to the Exhibition in the lower galleries is down a dramatic stairwell, 'dressed' with this beautiful drape of red fabric.

Beautifully draped fabric in Somerset House stairwell.Photo by Emma Vining

The exhibition begins with a vibrant table top projection, followed by a selection of design sketches and show invitations cards displayed in cases below wall projected images in the shape of a huge flower. Stairs lead you up to 'The Catwalk', where mannequins model the couture garments on both sides of the gallery.

The Catwalk Image from Somerset House Website

Each garment is identified by a number, with detail in the accompanying guidebook. Highlights for me included the origami technique in garment No 12, S/S 2008, a pale pink taffeta ensemble with detailed folding; the overlaid sequin swirls on the sleeves and jacket on garment No 19, S/S 2005, a black shantung silk suit; huge circular crochet-like embellishments on garment No 20, a black and white tweed ensemble. Throughout the catwalk, the garments showed off the expert use of lace, pearls, crystal, sequins, pleating, folding and fabric manipulations.

Following the catwalk is a top down view of Princess Marie Chantal of Greece's wedding dress with the huge train spread out. This dress illustrates the level of detail and craftsmanship that goes into every creation as it took 16 people 6 weeks just to create the lace veil. Further insights are revealed in the next room where some of the techniques used are demonstrated on screens embedded in a huge table accompanied by actual samples.

Image from Somerset House Website

This inspiring showcase of 50 years of Valentino through over 130 dresses and insights into haute couture techniques runs until 3rd March 2013 at Somerset House, London.

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About Me

I am an enthusiastic and creative knitter with a strong interest in the design and technical aspects of knitting. In this regard, I am proud to be a contributor to magazines such as The Knitter, Simply Knitting and Knit Today and a designer for Yarn Stories.
As an active member of the Knitting & Crochet Guild, I regularly contribute articles to the Guild publication, Slipknot. You can always find me on the Guild Stand at events like the Knitting and Stitching Show, so please come along and say hello!
As well as being an experienced knitter, I am City and Guilds qualified, having completed the Level Three Certificate and Diploma in Hand Knit Textiles.
An important part of my design research involves attending knitting events such as the Knitting and Stitching Show, The Knitting History Forum and the ‘In the Loop’ Conferences. Additionally, I find lots of inspiration at the Victoria and Albert Museum through gallery visits and participating in events, talks and study days.
On my knitting needles at the moment are new projects and designs that combine multiple techniques with innovative ideas.